copy flash: tftp:
Copies a file from the router's flash memory to a TFTP server, used for backing up IOS images or configuration files.
copy flash: tftp:When to Use This Command
- Backing up the current IOS image before upgrading to a new version
- Transferring a configuration file to a TFTP server for archival
- Copying a crashinfo file to a TFTP server for troubleshooting
- Saving a backup of the startup configuration to a remote server
Command Examples
Backup IOS image to TFTP server
copy flash: tftp:
Source filename []? c2960-lanbasek9-mz.150-2.SE11.bin
Address or name of remote host []? 192.168.1.100
Destination filename [c2960-lanbasek9-mz.150-2.SE11.bin]?
Writing c2960-lanbasek9-mz.150-2.SE11.bin...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[OK - 12345678 bytes]Source filename []? c2960-lanbasek9-mz.150-2.SE11.bin Address or name of remote host []? 192.168.1.100 Destination filename [c2960-lanbasek9-mz.150-2.SE11.bin]? Writing c2960-lanbasek9-mz.150-2.SE11.bin...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [OK - 12345678 bytes]
Prompts for source filename (the file in flash), TFTP server IP, and destination filename (default same as source). Exclamation marks indicate successful blocks transferred. 'OK' confirms completion with total bytes.
Copy startup-config to TFTP server
copy flash: tftp:
Source filename []? startup-config
Address or name of remote host []? 10.0.0.1
Destination filename [startup-config]? router1-startup-config
Writing startup-config...!!
[OK - 2145 bytes]Source filename []? startup-config Address or name of remote host []? 10.0.0.1 Destination filename [startup-config]? router1-startup-config Writing startup-config...!! [OK - 2145 bytes]
Specifies 'startup-config' as source (a file in flash). Destination renamed to 'router1-startup-config'. Two exclamation marks indicate quick transfer. Output shows file size (2145 bytes).
Understanding the Output
The output begins with prompts for source filename, TFTP server IP, and destination filename. After entering the information, the transfer starts. Exclamation marks (!) indicate successful data block transfers; each typically represents 512 bytes. If the transfer fails, you may see 'Timeout' or 'Error' messages. The final line shows '[OK - <bytes>]' on success, or 'FAILED' on failure. Watch for 'Permission denied' if the TFTP server lacks write permissions, or 'File not found' if the source file doesn't exist in flash.
CCNA Exam Tips
CCNA 200-301: The 'copy flash: tftp:' command is used to back up IOS images; remember that the TFTP server must be reachable and have write permissions.
CCNA 200-301: You must be in privileged EXEC mode (enable) to use this command; user EXEC mode will not work.
CCNA 200-301: The source file must exist in flash; use 'dir flash:' to verify before copying.
CCNA 200-301: If the destination filename is omitted, it defaults to the source filename; this can overwrite an existing file on the TFTP server.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Forgetting to specify the correct source filename — the command will prompt, but if you mistype, it will fail with 'File not found'.
Mistake 2: Using an unreachable TFTP server IP — the copy will timeout after several retries, wasting time.
Mistake 3: Not ensuring the TFTP server has write permissions — the transfer will start but fail with 'Error opening file' or 'Permission denied'.
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